Iran has rejected a U.S. ceasefire proposal backed by President Donald Trump and delivered to Tehran by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. Iranian officials dismissed the offer, stating they have no interest in a temporary framework that fails to address key strategic issues, including long-term control over the Strait of Hormuz.Mediation Attempt Falls Short in TehranIraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi arrived in Tehran leading a high-level ministerial delegation for meetings with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. The diplomatic initiative followed al-Zaidi's recent visit to Washington, D.C., where he met with President Trump to discuss regional security.Despite Baghdad's efforts to broker peace and prevent regional spillover, Iranian leadership firmly turned down the proposal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the main barrier to peace was not a lack of mediators, but rather what he described as Washington’s "illogical, greedy, and controlling" approach.Core Sticking Points and Broader RisksAccording to Iranian and Iraqi officials, Tehran rejected the proposal because it offered only a temporary cessation of hostilities without resolving core disputes.Key Issues Hindering a Deal:Strait of Hormuz Control: Iranian negotiators emphasized that no deal is viable without addressing sovereign control and security terms regarding the vital maritime transit route.Rejection of Temporary Pause: Tehran signaled it will not accept short-term truces while major U.S. military assets remain positioned against Iranian targets.Escalation Threats and Regional FalloutThe diplomatic breakdown occurs amid heightened military tensions following repeated exchanges between U.S. forces and Iranian targets. With President Trump warning of potential broader strikes against critical infrastructure, Iranian officials warned they are preparing for expanded regional retaliation if strikes persist.Tehran indicated that further escalation could prompt strikes on regional targets and lead allied groups, including Yemen's Houthis, to enforce disruptions along major shipping routes such as the Bab al-Mandab Strait.Also Read :- Uttarakhand Technical University Orders Re-Test After Suspected Paper Leak Disrupts Two Exams
